Benefits of SEL

We know from the research when we create learning environments for both adults and students that are safe, equitable, nurturing and consistent, this leads to increased engagement, promotes academic success and improves the ability of both adults and students to manage stress and build a positive self-image. The research has demonstrated when SEL is implemented with fidelity the following outcomes are achieved:

• SEL interventions which address CASEL’s 5 Core Competencies increased the academic performance of students by 11 percentile points, compared to students who did not participate.
• Participating in SEL programs improved the classroom behavior of students. Students experienced an increased ability to manage stress and had better attitudes about themselves, others, and school.
• Additional meta-analyses support the above findings. Read a summary of the four major meta-analyses on SEL.

Do Educators Believe SEL is Important?

According to the 2021 Educator Confidence Report, 82% of educators believe a well implemented and integrated SEL framework makes a positive impact on outcomes.

Do Students and Their Families Believe SEL is Beneficial?

View the 2020 report from America’s Promise Alliance, which describes the experiences of young people who had the opportunity to participate in a learning environment which integrated SEL and cognitive development. According to the 2021 report from McGraw Hill, 81% of parents believe SEL should be a focus since the beginning of the pandemic.

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) is a leader in the field of SEL.  CASEL has worked extensively with districts and with schools to encourage and empower educators in the implementation of SEL.  As the research has expanded so has CASEL’s definition of SEL.  In 2020, CASEL updated their definition of SEL and the description of their 5 Core Competencies to center their work around not only around SEL but to also include identity development, educational equity, and adults and students working together to build learning environments that were more inclusive and reflective of the communities they serve. For more information on CASEL’s thoughts and ideas with regard to the integration of SEL and equity, please review this article.

The PAS Unit has partnered with CASEL and has aligned efforts to advance the work of SEL and equity which is now known as Transformative SEL(TSEL).  Below is CASEL’s definition of TSEL and the commitment statement for TSEL by The Riverside County Office of Education. 

The Riverside County Office of Education TSEL Vision Statement:

In order that all students graduate from high school academically and socially prepared for college, the work force, and civic responsibility, Riverside County Office of Education prioritizes the development of the transformative social emotional competencies for students and adults to ensure everyone:

• Develops the social emotional skills necessary for the present and the future.

• Experiences a safe, consistent and inclusive learning environment.

•  Has opportunities to seamlessly develop their academic, social, emotional, and behavioral competencies.

•  Cultivates ethical decision-making and responsibility about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse situations.

• Develops agency, identity and belonging.

• Discovers their purpose and passion.

• Builds meaningful relationships to understand others’ perspectives, experiences, cultures and stories.

CASEL Framework

CASEL has created a framework for TSEL that is represented by what is known as the CASEL Wheel.  

The Wheel begins with SEL as its’ center and is surrounded by the 5 Core SEL Competencies.  Self-Awareness and Self-Management are labeled orange to represent intrapersonal competencies.  Social Awareness and Relationship Skills are labeled in green to represent the competencies that focus on interpersonal competencies and Responsible Decision-Making is labeled in yellow as it has elements of both intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies.  Around the 5 Core Competencies are concentric blue circles that represent the context in which TSEL is built and those stakeholders which are critical to the development of the TSEL framework. 

CalHOPE SEL Grant Opportunity

The Pas Unit is working with districts that are part of our CalHOPE SEL Grant Opportunity to provide professional development and coaching to assist with the district implementation of the CASEL Framework. If you are interested in implementing TSEL throughout your district, please email Kathy King at kking@rcoe.us.

In 2017, the California Department of Education(CDE) created an SEL Team consisting of educators and leaders from across the state to develop the  California SEL Guiding Principles.  In addition to creating the Guiding Principles, the SEL Team created a list of recommendations that supported the need to develop guidelines for SEL that were representative of the diverse needs throughout the state.

In 2017, the California Department of Education(CDE) created an SEL Team consisting of educators and leaders from across the state to develop the  California SEL Guiding Principles.  In addition to creating the Guiding Principles, the SEL Team created a list of recommendations that supported the need to develop guidelines for SEL that were representative of the diverse needs throughout the state.